What’s Triggering Your Eczema?

What do weather changes, itchy clothes and hormones have in common? They can all be eczema triggers.

When you have eczema, identifying what caused it can be a chore. Was it that new soap that smells so good? Did you snuggle too long with your beloved feline companion? Were you under more stress than usual? Whatever it is that’s causing your eczema, knowing your triggers can help you stay ahead of flare ups.

What is eczema?

“Eczema is a common, chronic skin condition characterized by dry, inflamed, scaly and itchy skin,” says Matthew Cummings, PA-C, a dermatology physician assistant at Geisinger.

Symptoms of eczema include:

Scaly, dry skin
Swelling
Rough, bumpy skin
Cracked, red patches that may ooze
Dry, itchy skin that gets worse at night

Eczema may appear anywhere on the body. It appears most commonly on your:

Skin folds
Face
Hands
Neck
Eyelids
Wrists
Inner elbows
Feet
Backs of knees

The cause of eczema is not completely understood. It is thought to run in families. And it tends to occur with other allergic-related conditions like asthma, hives, food allergies and skin sensitivity.

What are the different types of eczema?

There are a few distinct types of eczema. Each type has different symptoms. Common types include:

Atopic dermatitis

This common form most often affects children. “Atopic dermatitis is chronic, which means it’s long lasting and can flare up at times,” says Mr. Cummings.

Contact dermatitis

This type of eczema happens when your skin contacts an irritant. That contact leads to a reaction.

Dyshidrotic eczema

This type of eczema usually occurs on the hands and feet. You may notice small fluid-filled blisters and dry skin on the fingers and feet.

Nummular eczema

If you have this type of eczema, you may notice itchy, round patches on your skin that look like coins. These lesions commonly form on the arms and legs.

Depending on the type of eczema you have, certain things may make it flare up and worsen at times.

What causes eczema to flare up?

Different things can cause your eczema to flare up. Common things that can trigger eczema include:

Temperature changes

Did you know the weather can affect your skin? When the mercury drops too low or too high, it can worsen eczema. Cold, dry weather can make your skin lose moisture and become dry and itchy. And warm, humid conditions can do the same. “When you sweat, it can dry out your skin, causing a flare up,” notes Mr. Cummings.

Stress

Stress can affect your body in more ways than one. Your skin is no exception. When you’re stressed, your body produces stress hormones. These hormones increase inflammation in the body. They can also lower your body’s immune response. Together, this can make your eczema worse.

Allergens and irritants

Allergies and eczema often appear together. Eczema can get worse from exposure to things like:

Pet dander
Pollen
Dust mites
Mold
Laundry soap or cleaning products

Air quality

Bad air can be a headache. Literally. Besides causing headaches, coughing and eye irritation, poor air quality may also trigger an eczema flare. “When air pollution is high, fine particles in the air can penetrate the skin’s outer layer,” says Mr. Cummings. “That can make eczema worse.”

Other things that can worsen eczema include:

Smoke
Heavy or thick fabrics
Certain foods, like dairy products
Hormonal shifts
Hot showers

How to prevent eczema flare ups

If you’re dealing with an eczema flare, or you just want to stop one before it starts, finding relief is easy. It starts by being prepared.

Know your triggers

The best way to prevent eczema flares in the first place? Knowing what causes them. If you’re sensitive to animals or certain fabrics, protect your skin by avoiding them. Not sure where to start? Consider these tips.

Keep dust at bay

Dusty environments can trigger an eczema outbreak. Why? Dust mites. These pesky microscopic creatures hide in plain sight on surfaces all around us. And they’re a common trigger. “When they come into contact with your skin, they can cause a reaction, which can make eczema flare up,” Mr. Cummings says.

To reduce your risk of a dust-related flare-up, vacuum and dust your home regularly. Wash stuffed animals and blankets, too. And if you need to be in a dusty environment, consider wearing long pants and long sleeves and showering afterward.

A point to note about dust mites from Mr. Cummings: “While removing them is helpful to reduce flare ups, studies have shown that getting rid of house dust mites hasn’t been found useful for disease control.”

Moisturize

Want to keep your skin eczema-free? Moisturize. Regular moisturizing can lock in moisture in your skin’s base layer, reducing your risk of a flare up. Look for unscented creams. The thicker, the better. “Lotions can sometimes dry out your skin, so avoid pump-bottle lotions and use moisturizers that come in jars or tubs,” Mr. Cummings advises. Apply a thick layer immediately after showering for maximum protection.

Check the label

When shopping for clothes and household goods, keep your eyes on the ingredients. For less irritating clothes, avoid synthetic fabrics or heavy materials like wool. Consider lighter fabrics like cotton and linen. If you do wear something heavier, like a sweater, consider wearing a base layer underneath. This can help prevent direct contact from the clothing with your skin.

And for household items, avoid products that contain harsh chemicals. Choose unscented laundry soaps and lotion. And look for natural cleaning products wherever possible.

When in doubt, ask

When it comes to eczema, protecting your skin matters. If you’re not sure where to start, have a conversation with your healthcare provider. They can work with you to build an eczema treatment plan that protects your skin. And helps you avoid future flare ups.